'Simple procedure which could save lives' - People in North Cumbria urged to get their flu vaccine

Dr Robert Westgate, Carlisle GP

GPs in North Cumbria are urging people to go for their flu jab as soon as they are called this winter.

Flu is an extremely contagious respiratory illness. It causes mild illness in most people, but some are more likely to develop potentially serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

The flu vaccination programme was expanded last year to include 50 to 64 year olds and that will continue this winter.

Flu vaccine Credit: PA

 Groups eligible for a free NHS flu jab this winter include:

  • all children aged 2 to 15 on 31 August 2021 - who will be offered a nasal spray

  • those aged 6 months to under 50 years in clinical risk groups

  • pregnant women

  • those aged 50 years and over

  • those in long-stay residential care homes

  • carers

  • close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

  • frontline health and social care staff

Studies have shown that flu vaccinations help prevent people from getting flu. Each year it is predicted which strains of the virus will circulate and the vaccine is developed to protect against that strain.

Although the vaccine won't stop all flu viruses and the level of protection may vary from person to person, GPs say if you do get flu after vaccination it is likely to be milder and shorter-lived than it might have been.

Flu jabs can be given at pharmacies as well as GP surgeries and flu clinics.

Hospitals in Cumbria treating dozens of patients for Covid-19